An Armstonger's Story

Marcelo Sanabria ('20) is an Armstrong resident who never fails to get involved. From day one, he involved himself in Commons Council to create programs and advance traditions that involve many of our residents. He was instrumental in helping to execute the second annual ArtStrong (see more about ArtStrong on our Traditions page) in May 2017. Over 150 people attended and helped to establish ArtStrong as a tradition we wish to continue.

When not planning programs, you can see Marcelo playing his guitar in the lobby or in the quad, or supporting other artists at events like Café Armstrong.

I remember vividly when I said goodbye to my parents. My heart ached in a way I had never felt before. I saw them leave, feeling hopeless that there was nothing I could do to stop them. I had decided to study abroad and that was not going to change; it couldn’t. As I walked with my luggage towards Armstrong, alone for the first time, the sun hit the building in just the right way and it was beautiful. I still felt lonely, but I knew I was in the right place.

As I came in, with tears welling up, our amazing RCD came out of nowhere and with the biggest of smiles, asked me: “Hey! You must be Marcelo, everyone has been looking for you!” She was referring to my ID card and the fact that people were looking for me to give it to me, but the smile, the attitude, the energy in that short conversation, made me feel at ease once again.

Feeling alone and missing home and family is probably one of the worst feelings ever, but here in Armstrong there is always someone willing to share a compliment with you, a conversation, a piece of advice, or sometimes, simply a smile (and that is more than enough when you need it).